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Dental Bonding: Procedure and How Long Does It Last

February 1, 2024
Dental Bonding: Procedure and How Long Does It Last

If you’re looking to fix a chipped tooth, close a gap between your teeth, or get rid of a stain on a tooth, you might have heard about tooth bonding. Dental bonding is a way to make your smile look better by putting a material that matches your tooth color, called composite resin, on your teeth. This resin is shaped and set to look just like your real teeth, giving you a smooth and nice-looking finish.

Tooth bonding is a fast and simple process that usually takes just one dentist visit. It’s also cheaper than other ways to improve your smile, like veneers or crowns. But tooth bonding isn’t a forever fix and might need to be touched up or redone after some time.

So, how long does tooth bonding last? And how can you make it last as long as possible? We’ll cover these topics in this guide to help you keep your smile looking great for a long time.

What Factors Affect the Lifespan of Tooth Bonding?

The lifespan of tooth bonding depends on several factors, such as:

  • The location of the bonding: Tooth bonding on the front teeth may be more exposed to wear and tear than tooth bonding on the back teeth. The front teeth are also more prone to staining and discoloration from foods and drinks.
  • The bite force: If you are habitually grinding or clenching your teeth, you may put more pressure on the bonding and cause it to crack or chip. You may also damage the bonding if you bite or chew on hard or sticky foods or objects, such as ice, candy, or pens.
  • The oral hygiene: Keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy is essential for maintaining bonding and preventing decay and infection. You must brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use an effective mouthwash to remove plaque and bacteria. You should also visit your dentist near you regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
  • The diet and lifestyle habits: Some foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, wine, berries, and sauces, can stain your teeth and the bonding. Smoking and tobacco use can also discolor the bonding and your natural teeth. You should limit your intake of these substances or use a straw to minimize contact with the bonding. You should also clean your mouth with some water right after eating or drinking anything that can stain your teeth.
  • The professional maintenance: Sometimes, the bonding may need to be touched up or repaired by your dentist if it becomes worn, chipped, or stained. Your dentist can also polish the bonding to restore its shine and smoothness. You should see your dentist at least once a year or more often if you notice any problems with your bonding.

How do you extend the lifespan of tooth bonding?

To extend the lifespan of tooth bonding, you should follow these tips:

Keep your mouth clean: Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Floss every day and use mouthwash to keep decay and gum problems at bay. Stay away from harsh toothpaste or whitening products that might harm the bonding.

Don’t bite hard things: Avoid opening things with your teeth or chewing on hard items like ice, pens, or fingernails. These actions can damage the bonding and your own teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, consider using a mouthguard for protection.

Avoid foods and drinks that can stain: Try to limit how much coffee, tea, wine, berries, and sauces you have, or drink through a straw to keep them away from your bonded teeth. Wash your mouth out after having foods or drinks that could stain. To avoid staining the bonding and your teeth, stop smoking or using tobacco.

See your dentist often: Go to your dentist for a check-up and cleaning at least once a year. They can check on your bonding and teeth and fix any issues. They can also polish the bonding to keep it looking natural and bright.

Bottomline

Tooth bonding in Rancho Cucamonga is a simple and affordable way to improve your smile by repairing chipped, cracked, stained, or misshapen teeth. Dental bonding can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years, depending on how well you take care of it and your teeth. You can extend the lifespan of your tooth bonding by practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding biting or chewing on hard objects, avoiding staining foods and drinks, and visiting your dentist regularly.

If you want to improve your smile with tooth bonding or any other beauty-related dental work, reach out to Mint Smiles Dentist in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. We’re a local dentist office that welcomes families and provides many dental treatments like tooth bonding, veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, and more. We also have payment plans and discounts to help make taking care of your teeth more budget-friendly.

To set up a visit or get more information about what we do, please call us. We’re excited to meet you and help you have a smile you’re proud of!

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